Law Minister Anisul Huq announced on Monday that the decision regarding the petition for extending the suspension of Khaleda Zia's jail term and allowing her treatment abroad will be revealed on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at his office, Anisul Huq mentioned receiving the petition, emphasizing the family's request for Khaleda Zia's permanent release and treatment abroad. He clarified that the decision would be made after thoroughly reviewing the petition and considering the requested actions.
Addressing the repeated submissions, Anisul Huq expressed confusion over the repeated requests for permanent release, reiterating that Khaleda Zia was released under section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). He emphasized that beyond this legal provision, there were limitations to further actions.
Regarding the possibility of Khaleda Zia going abroad, Anisul Huq affirmed that the decision barring her from leaving the country would remain unchanged. However, he mentioned that foreign doctors had been permitted to provide treatment to her in Bangladesh.
Responding to inquiries about the prime minister's authority in this matter, Anisul Huq emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the decision, highlighting that the prime minister had initially shown compassion by suspending Khaleda Zia's jail term.
The petition for extending the suspension of Khaleda Zia's jail term and allowing her treatment abroad was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday, citing concerns about her health and well-being.
Khaleda Zia, the Chairperson of BNP, has been granted temporary release from jail since March 25, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with subsequent extensions every six months. She was sentenced to imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case in 2018 and has been dealing with various health issues.
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